Trends in TikTok: Educational and Advocacy Content on Colon Cancer in Young Adults Highlights Healthcare Challenges.

TikTok has emerged as one of the most effective ways of sharing information among the younger generation. Colorectal cancer (CRC), in particular, has become a subject of interest amongst TikTok users with CRC being diagnosed at younger ages. There have been debates about TikTok’s legitimacy with concerns about the dissemination of misinformation. This study analyzed TikTok videos on CRC in young adults for content and reliability of information. This study utilized a cross-sectional content analysis of the 100 most-liked TikTok videos under the search term “colon cancer in younger people” to assess the nature and accuracy of colorectal cancer (CRC) information. Videos were categorized by content, emotional tone, and information type, with accuracy evaluated against verified medical sources. Misinformation was classified into three categories, and quality was assessed using the Global Quality Score. Statistical and thematic analyses were conducted to identify key discourse patterns. This study analyzed 100 TikTok videos on colorectal cancer (CRC) over the past five years, with viewership ranging from a few thousand to 10.8 million. Most creators were female (59%), and 57% were CRC patients. The average age of CRC patients discussed was 26 (range: 14–37). Content focused on CRC symptoms (63%), screening (51%), treatment (25%), and causes (21%). Advocacy was the dominant theme (68%), while fear (46%) and medical mistrust (21%) were also common. Chi-square analysis revealed patients were more likely to share personal narratives than Health Care Providers (HCPs) (X² = 58.8, p < 0.00001). Misinformation was found in 9 videos, with 19% from HCPs, 2% from patients, and 75% from social media influencers. A Z-test showed HCP videos were more likely to contain misinformation than patient videos (Z = 2.85, p = 0.00438). GQS analysis showed no significant differences in quality across creator groups (F(3, 96) = 0.43, p = 0.73). This study highlights the growing role of TikTok as a health communication tool, particularly among young adults at risk for early-onset colorectal cancer. The findings reveal that videos on TikTok often include both educational content and personal narratives about CRC, with a notable emphasis on prevention and the emotional impacts of fear and mistrust. Healthcare providers should engage in empathetic, accessible communication to address these emotional themes and combat misinformation. Institutions and healthcare professionals should consider leveraging social media to share accurate, evidence-based health information and consider integrating digital communication training into professional development.